| Author |
Message |
    
thoughtful
Citizen
Username: Thoughtful
Post Number: 177
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 9:48 am: |     |
Interesting article by Malcolm Gladwell on this very subject.
http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/articles/060206fa_fact |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3085
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 9:58 am: | |
LilLB, I certainly didn't mean to imply that you are not entitled to your apprehension, and I always do my best to respect people's fear of my dog. My concern about this comment "Even if the Pit Bull doesn't tear your face off or go for the jugular, it's still a generally aggressive breed" is that, on the whole it is entirely untrue and just serves to perpetuate the myth about the breed.
My dog is always on a leash and I never let him approach strangers unless I'm certain they welcome his interest. But I would do that regardless of the breed of dog.
Meet Buster:
AKA: Rope-A-Dope |
Tofugrl3
Citizen
Username: Tofugrl3
Post Number: 4
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:16 am: | |
Ok, so a lot of people on this board seem to be in favor of breed-specific legislations regarding pitbulls. On the same note, most child sexual predators are married, Caucasian men. Let's ban them from the neighborhood, as we would hate to even have the possibilty of that kind of crime occurring. |
cody
Citizen
Username: Cody
Post Number: 937
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:18 am: | |
I do have a smaller dog and he is always on a leash when I walk him.
I AM nervous when a dog that fits the "pit bull" general description comes running toward us. Given that this type of dog (and, yes, there are some lovely, gentle marshmallows among this type of dog) is noted for its tendency toward dog aggression and its tenacious bite when fighting with other animals, I am not going to stick around to figure out if the dog is friendly or not.
Can any dog bite? Yes, of course. Can you have aggressive dogs of any breed? Yes, of course. One of the most aggressive dogs I ever knew was a neighbor's tiny Pomeranian. We lived next to this family when I was a child and their nasty little dog sank its teeth into everyone it could. But it bit once, let go, and didn't have much oomph behind the bite.
I don't want to stigmatize any breed, but I think owners of dogs who fit the "large, aggressive breeds that have been known to be dangerous" category need to think about how others might perceive their dogs. Especially if their dogs are running loose around children or smaller dogs.
I'm not a fan of dog parks, because there are too many owners who think it is OK to bring an unsocialized dog into one and let it loose. Every dog needs to be trained, from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane and, as much as we love our dogs, we need to be considerate of our neighbors and the non-dog owners among us.
There are places in the world that have banned dog ownership altogether. I'd hate to have that become more prevalent. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3086
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:28 am: | |
Again, and I'm sorry to be such a stickler, I take exception to this "and, yes, there are some lovely, gentle marshmallows among this type of dog."
This implies that most dogs of this breed are nasty, aggressive dogs. Again, nothing could be further from the truth. The majority of dogs of this breed are wonderful family pets. The dogs that are not--the ones that are the worst possible representation of the breed--are a very small minority. Unfortunately, they are the ones we hear about in the news. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3087
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:39 am: | |
Tofu, nice analogy! |
Tofugrl3
Citizen
Username: Tofugrl3
Post Number: 5
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:42 am: | |
I totally agree. The news is not going to show the Pitbulls that get along with the kids they live with and the ones that were properly socialized by their owners. Just like with any other story, the media only feeds on the negative. I can almost guarantee that I've had more interactions with many different pitbulls than most people on this site and they are by far my favorite breed. We have tons of them at the animal shelter where I volunteer and they are the sweetest dogs. I have, however, been bitten by a Pomeranian and a German Shephard at the shelter, breeds that don't often make it to the shelter. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1317
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:46 am: | |
I know Meand...I enjoy reading your posts as you seem like a very sensible (and humorous) person and have absolutely no doubt you're responsible with your dog and are sensitive to other people's reaction to him. I rephrased my "aggressiveness" comment in a later post to clarify where that comment was coming from and how it should have been phrased in the first place. (Although I admit that I probably did so in a not-so-gentle fashion...I was a bit perturbed and running out the door at the time...) My point in my most recent post is that even when people express misconceptions about certain animals (e.g., Pits are generally an aggressive breed, cats are evil and are just out to scratch people), it comes from their fear of what that breed's/animal's potential might be towards harming them, it's not necessarily based on fact and it should be recognized as such. That's all.
Tofu - I'm not in favor of legislating pit bull ownership. I recognize that however I might feel, that the facts wouldn't support a ban of this animal. |
C Bataille
Citizen
Username: Nakaille
Post Number: 2462
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 10:47 am: | |
I was bitten hard once by a lab who mistook my arm for the stick we were throwing and playing with. Every single hair on my body stood up. Very powerful jaws. BUT, the dog quickly realized the mistake and just let go. I had very serious bruising that lasted for weeks (and was just starting a new job so I was sure people were thinking I was a battered woman). It made me think about how much damage a dog that was angry or fearful or simply protective could have done. But I developed a lot of respect for the intelligence of this particular dog who let go before any of us had a chance to say anything. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1318
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 11:00 am: | |
Oh and Meand - I also recognize and understand why you want to dispell the myths of the Pit bull - makes sense and I'm sure your sick of having to do it after 9 years of ownership - I'm sure it wears on you. Just wanted to state that I hear what you're saying also. |
Meandtheboys
Citizen
Username: Meandtheboys
Post Number: 3088
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 11:30 am: | |
Thanks. Another problem I have is that my dog wears a Halti, which is like a harness that goes over his head and around his mouth. We tried every other kind of collar and technique and this is the only thing that keeps him from pulling on the leash (and, IMO, is much more humane than any other kind of collar). However, people who don't know what it is automatically assume it's a muzzle. So that's another strike against us right there. It's not uncommon for people to see us coming and cross to the other side of the street.
Doesn't really bother me that much, and I know I took on this "battle" when I adopted the dog. I just try to do my best to have a rational discussion about the breed whenever an opportunity presents itself, and try not to take the attitude towards my dog personally. I really do think we've taught quite a few people that the breed is "good" and I'm glad for that.
I've often thought about what kind of dog I might get when Buster's gone, and I keep coming back to this breed. They're smart, but not too smart, easy to train, love people and other dogs when properly socialized, not too big or too small, and have very little hair so there's no shedding to deal with. They also seem to be pretty sturdy healthwise--none of the issues so many other "purebreds" can have. He's also really not much of a barker, except when people come to the house (or walk by), but in some cases I think that can be a good thing! |
Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 990
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 12:49 pm: | |
i would just say, a dog bite is much different that being attacked by a dog. my lab (if she wanted) could probably bite through my leg without much difficulty, but if she were to bite me (and she never has and if she did i'd kick her little butt), it would most likely be a "warning bite" that would hurt but not unleash her true power. does this make sense?
AHCJR, you should just mention something to your neighbor.
Every so often I will go outside with my dog so she can go to the bathroom and won't leash her. Granted, we don't leave our yard, and the process lasts about 1 minute. i know that 99% of the time she will just go to the bathroom and go right back in. every time i do this though, there is that sense of, maybe this is the 1% time. most likely your neighbor has that same sense of caution and you saying something might give them that extra push...
btw...if any of my neighbors said anything to me, i'd be happy to comply.
oabtw...we have met many pit bulls in our dog travels and all of them were friendly dogs. still have yet to meet an "evil" one.  |
AHCJR
Citizen
Username: Ahcjr1
Post Number: 17
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 12:53 pm: | |
Alright, let's forget Pit Bulls for a second...
I'll never forget what a cop told me when my apartment in Hoboken was broken into. I asked him if there was anything I could do to prevent another break-in. His answer: "Get a Rottweiler - period." Apparently a burglar had learned this lesson the hard way at this particular cop's apartment and paid for it with a broken arm and 128 stitches. The cop got a call over the radio of a disturbance at his apartment and when he arrived the "alleged perpetrator" was being pulled by the arm from the third story fire escape back into the apartment through the window by the cop's 125lb Rottweiler. It didn't let go until the cop entered the apartment and ordered the dog to stop which it did immediately on command. There's "potential" for you.
Another interesting thing happend to a former boss. I got used to his HUGE Rottweiler as he often brought him to work. He was always an overgrown (~100lbs) puppy dog around me, more interested in having me scratch his ears or rub his belly than play "guess who's the alpha male." However, on a walk one night- the same walk he takes every single night - the dog suddenly pulled the leash away, leapt at a Labrador passing on the other side of the street and grabbed it by the neck. It took several minutes to get him to release. ccording to my very shaken boss, there was apparently no precipitating cause and the Rottweiler did serious damage to the other dog (it has since recovered.) Now, here was a presumably responsible owner with a marshmallow of a dog that inexplicably acted totally out of character for a split second (this behavior has never repreated itself to my knowledge) and did some serious damage. Again, there's potential for you. |
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 9
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 1:29 pm: | |
Hi All:
The "dog breed that kills the most humans" statistic is very scary isn't it. Here are some points on how this statistics is to be read and here is the link one more time. If you take the time to read the text that comes with these statistics it actually agrees with my statement that pits are missjudged and get an unfair shake because people do not take the time to analyze a statistic.
http://www.dogbitelaw.com/PAGES/statistics.html
First the statistic only addresses dog attack homocides. This obviously leaves out alot of breeds since a deer pinscher or a Yorkie will very unlikely kill you.
Facts from the statistic:
It uses a time frame from 1979 to 1996, so 18 years.
60 people where killed by Pitbulls in 18 years.
The highest spike was from 83 to 90 which also happened to be the big drug years.
Pit bulls were used as "drug dealer protection dogs" and therefor were placed in situations where they were required to attack and preferably kill.
When the drug trade was better controlled the pit homocide incidence went from 12 in 1987-1988 to 3 in 1995-1996.
However the Rottweiler's statistic gets dramatically worse with each year. 10 people were killed by Rottweilers from 1995-1996.
Actual text from the article:
800,000 thousand people were treated during this time frame for dog bites. Although some breeds were disproportionately represented in the fatal attacks described in this report, the representation of breeds changes over time (Table 1). As a result, targeting a specific breed may be unproductive; a more effective approach may be to target chronically irresponsible dog owners (9).
Dog bites are on the rise: The number of dogs in the United States increased by only 2% between 1991 and 1998. (Wise JK & Yang JJ, "Dog and Cat Ownership, 1991-1998," JAMA 1994;204:1166-67.) The number of bites, and the cost to insurance companies, however, rose significantly. In 1986, nonfatal dog bites resulted in an estimated 585,000 injuries that required medical attention or restricted activity. (Sosin DM, Sachs JJ, Sattin RW. Causes of nonfatal injuries in the United States, 1986. Accid. Anal. Prev. 1992;24:685-687.) By 1994 an estimated 800,000 sought medical care for bites. (Weiss HB, Friedman D, Coben JH. Incidence of dog bite injuries treated in emergency departments. JAMA 1998;279:51-53.) This is a 36% increase in medically attended bites from 1986 to 1994. The cost to insurance companies, measured only by homeowner claims (as opposed to health insurance claims and claims on other lines) grew significantly over the past decade, although it went down by about 4% between 2002 and 2003.
The scene of attack is home or a familiar place. The majority of dog attacks (61%) happen at home or in a familiar place.
Dogs bite family and friends. The vast majority of biting dogs (77%) belong to the victim's family or a friend.
End
For more info (The American Veterinary Association)
http://www.avma.org/pubhlth/dogbite/dogbite.pdf
Now when you read through all of this you will come out with the following:
The most likely fatal bite will be:
Your child under the age of three left unattended with the family dog/dogs.
The most likely non-fatal but injury causing bite will be:
Your male child (cause they tend to play rougher then girls) under the age of 15 being bitten by most likely the family dog(male, unneutered and most likely weighing less then 30 lbs)during rough playing.
So let's really target the problem which are irresponsible owners which do not take the time to train their dogs properly and let them roam around in their neighborhoods. I admit to letting my dogs of leash in the reservation but they stay with me. I would never let my dogs just walk around in my neighborhood.
Claudia
|
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1320
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 1:39 pm: | |
There are two problems with your last statement Claudia - First - I don't know whether or not you have truly trained your dog well and seeing your dog off leash makes me incredibly uncomfortable. As a pet owner (any pet), we all need to be sensitive to other people's perceptions and reactions to our pets.
Second - Not keeping your dog on a leash, whether on the street or the reservation, is illegal. |
Oldstone
Citizen
Username: Rogers4317
Post Number: 569
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 1:45 pm: | |
you know, not for nothing but the maplewood police have seen me with my dog off leash in my front yard more than once and they waved...even when he went to the tree on the curb strip to pee.
|
Brett
Citizen
Username: Bmalibashksa
Post Number: 2172
Registered: 7-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 1:47 pm: | |
People have irrational fears, like bats, snakes, heights, flying. What makes a fear of pit bulls any different?
For some reason I’m much more intimidated by a Pit Bull then I am with a Rottweiler.
|
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 10
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 1:50 pm: | |
To Doulamomma:
I do admit that my view might be a little one-sided. We handled over 8,000 dogs and only about 2% were fixed (in the north over 80% of pets are fixed). These dogs came from New Orleans and all of the affected areas around the crescent city. My experience is that the people with pets who had money had the chance to leave before the hurricane hit. The pets left behind were from poorer areas. But yes I was told that a "true southern man" would not own a neutered dog...by the head of the Louisiana Humane Society. They have been trying to "fix" this issue for years. It is also one of the reason why the south has the lowest pet adoption rate even though the south has a much higher pet per capita ratio. Any pet adopted through the ASPCA or the Humane Society requires the pet to be fixed. This requirement greatly reduces the chance of adoption for a male dog in a southern shelter. I am not saying that all southern man are like that. I am saying that this attitude does affect the survival of a male shelter dog greatly and also promotes backyard breeding which ends up in more shelter dogs.
I envy you for your southern experiences. I fell in love with the south and want to move there when my kids are on their own.
Claudia |
Southerner
Citizen
Username: Southerner
Post Number: 707
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 2:15 pm: | |
This isn't a dog issue. It's a private property issue. If a dog continously comes on my property after I have discussed this with the owner (which I don't have to do), then I will take care of the problem. If you folks allow your property rights to be trampled by your neighbors then I have no problem with that and that is your choice.
I probably wouldn't do the shotgun routine, especially in New Jersey, but I would take the dog to a shelter. If the owner doesn't love the dog enough to take proper care then why should it become my problem. I'm not talking about a one time escape from the fence deal either. I'm talking a consistent disregard for the law. Personally, if I didn't have children then I probably wouldn't care one bit if the dog came on my property, but since I do have children I sure won't wait until something happens. (and the same for your outdoor cats) |
Robert Livingston
Citizen
Username: Rob_livingston
Post Number: 1589
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 2:17 pm: | |
As an added bonus, Southerner, you also get dinner for your kinfolk. |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10778
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 3:09 pm: | |
I have been following this thread and I think a lot of you are in denial that pure bred dogs are developed to do certain things and have certain characteristics.
Pit bulls were bred to be fighting dogs and they are aggresive by nature. Rottweillers were bred for police and guard work and they are protective. Labs were bred to retrieve game in the field, etc.
Certainly with proper training and discipline they can be great pets, which I am sure is the case with Buster (who I have nicknamed Lummox). However, some breeds are going to be more protective than others and not all owners are capable of handling the dogs they have purchased and that can lead to problems and even the well trained and socialized dog may "go off" at some time in their life.
|
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 3:38 pm: | |
Dear Brett and LilLB:
Nobody is trying to say that a fear of dogs is wrong. What is wrong is to make a living being pay dearly (with their lives) for this unfounded fear. Nobody is asking you to adopt a pitbull. I have spent many of my weekends at the shelter to assure that the right person adopts the right dog and believe you me we have turned down prospective adopters for various reasons. Make the owners responsible for their bad behavior, not the dog.
I have and will walk my dogs of leash in the deep wooded paths. I will also continue to do what I have always done which is to call my dogs to sit next to me on the side of the path when I see people approaching. My dogs have no interest in running up to you or your kids when they are in the reservation. They do the same you do, they enjoy nature, the sounds, the smells and the exercise. They do not bother anybody at all. Should either of you ever run into me I hope we can smile at each other and without saying much acknowledge the beauty of the place which we all are allowed to enjoy.
On that note may I complain about something myslef. I have had many a serene walk interrupted by herds of screaming kids with parents walking far enough behind them so they don't have to deal with the noise and the even more annoying motorised scooter riders.
We are all only visiting there, the animals that live there are the true residents. I think it is not too much to ask of parents to explain to their children, as I have done to mine, that other people want to walk in silence, converse with each other, or just quietly enjoy nature..this is not Chucky Cheese.
Claudia |
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 12
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 3:48 pm: | |
Dear Southener:
I can save you the trip. Call the animal control officer via your local police and report the owner. The fine will change the habit pretty quickly. It is totally irresponsible to let a dog walk around in a neighborhood. Not only does the dog have no business on another persons property, the dog can be hit by a car or cause a person to have an accident. This is where responsible ownership comes to play.
Hey if you are an irresponsible parent you can't blame your kids. It's your fault. If your dog becomes a nuisance then it is the owners fault. Unfortunately right now we punish the animal and not the owner.
I am glad you put the gun away..southerner ;-)
Claudia |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2731
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 3:50 pm: | |
I'll make sure I remind my kids to use their "inside voice" next time we are in the reservation. Because they might spook some illegally off-leash dog who could attack them. And because no one else in the reservation wants to run off some excess energy. Oh, except for your dog.
I didn't realize that the animals that are the true residents of the reservation are more bothered by my kids' loud voices than your dog running around as he "enjoys nature and gets exercise". Thanks for letting me know. |
Robert Livingston
Citizen
Username: Rob_livingston
Post Number: 1590
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 3:56 pm: | |
No one needs to apologize for their kids being loud in the reservation. But you should call the cops when you see Claudia walking her dogs without a leash. |
LilLB
Citizen
Username: Lillb
Post Number: 1321
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 4:00 pm: | |
Claudia - as I stated earlier, I do not think that fear should rule legislation - facts and stats should. So, I'm in agreement with you that pet owners are responsible for their pets and fear shouldn't rule the land. I also think it's awful what happens to some of these animals in the hands of the wrong people.
I am disappointed to hear that you will continue to keep your dog off leash on wooded paths. If you and your dog are there, chances are, so will other people and dogs. Why is it that you don't think your dogs can enjoy nature while leashed? You give responsible pet owners a bad rep... If you bump into me on a wooded path, you may as well skip the smile and tell me to F-off because to be perfectly honest, that's what purposefully keeping your dogs off leash is communicating to me.
|
Tofugrl3
Citizen
Username: Tofugrl3
Post Number: 6
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 4:30 pm: | |
I have to agree with keeping the dogs on a leash. Everytime I take mine into the woods, they are leashed. And every time, I come across someone whose unleashed dog runs up to mine and jumps on top of mine. It is not my job to get in between a dog fight. It gets even better when the owner of the unleashed pet looks at me when my dog is growling at their dog that is on top of mine. Leash laws are in place for a reason. I just wish they were strictly enforced. And as far as this whole pitbull dilemma, I say punish the deed, not the breed. Not all pits are aggressive. |
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 14
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 5:17 pm: | |
Ok so you told me off.
Wendy - I do appreciate if your kids will use a normal tone of voice just as the many other adult people will appreciate the fact that they can walk in peace. The animals in residence I was referring to are the wild animals who put up with parties, traffic, noise etc.
I have frequented paths that most of you don't even know excist and I will continue to do so. Again we will not cross paths and one would think that this is a sad case but in this instance I am sure we will all be fine...and for once agree with each other.
Be forthright and tell a person you have a problem if their dog is off-leash on the tarred path. Also take a moment and count how many dogs have passed you by and didn't bother you at all.
Happy trails to all. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5788
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 5:22 pm: | |
I hope no one takes little ones as deep in the reservation woods as we go. Sheesh. |
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 15
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 5:26 pm: | |
Dear Robert:
I am 5'6, blond and in my late 30's. Just to make sure you call the police on the right person.
Oh and by the way the people who have done most to disrupt the illegal prostitution that has been going on for years are the ones who walks were no other people walk. The leppers of the world..the off-leash dog walkers.
Have a nice day. |
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 16
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 5:28 pm: | |
Oh and Robert..I answer to the name Claudia. Only my dog responds to "stay with mami"
LOL
C |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5789
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 5:29 pm: | |
Robert - Great - call the cops - good chance they're friends with her anyway so they can all have a nice chat. Don't forget to give them your name. And address.
Haha.
|
Claudia Mattheiss
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 18
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 5:55 pm: | |
Oh yeah and lets really get criminal. Bring a bottle of wine, sit in the parking lot and watch all of our loose dogs run around in circles.
Oh right can't do that ..we might disrupt the next "John" looking for his Jim or the next Bill looking for his crack delivery.
Hey mem how about a glass of wine tonight in your house with three loose dogs. lol |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 40
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 7:32 pm: | |
A solution for people who must leave their male dogs intact-- The dog can be neutered, and then silicone prosthetic testicles can be installed. This is for real! Talk about macho bs. |
Southerner
Citizen
Username: Southerner
Post Number: 711
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 8:11 pm: | |
Nice shot RL. Not in the shotgun sense though! Pitbulls are to tough. I like the fluffy ones. |
Tofugrl3
Citizen
Username: Tofugrl3
Post Number: 9
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 8:34 pm: | |
Cat, those are called Neuticals and are becoming quite popular. Here is their link:
http://www.neuticles.com/index1.html |
Ace789nj
Citizen
Username: Ace789nj
Post Number: 281
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 1:05 am: | |
Available in designer colors too
http://www.truckaddons.com/Catalog/subpages/BullsBalls_truckballs.htm |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2733
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 8:48 am: | |
You are so right Claudia. I now realize that if I am breaking the law and putting people and animals in danger while I do it, it is ok because there are other people doing worse things. And thanks for letting me know that I have the ability to determine whether a law is fair and should apply to me.
I find it amazing that you seriously believe that it is ok for you to break the law because you are "deep in the woods where you don't see anyone" but it isn't ok for people to break the law by having sex in the reservation "deep in the woods where you don't see anyone". It can't be that there is a law against public sex, because you believe that laws flexible based on the judgement of the person breaking them.
From my perspective since Mem tells me I shouldn't take kids "as deep in the reservation as we go", I don't care if people are having sex or shooting up. I won't see it, so it's not my business. I do care that an unleashed dog could come bounding out of the deep dark woods and attack my kids or my dogs. Or get hit by a car. Or attacked by another dog.
But I guess you are telling me to trust all of those dog owners who are certain that their dogs are trustworthy enough to let off leash. I suggest you talk to the town/county about getting rid of that pesky leash law then as there is obviously no need for it. |
Rick B
Citizen
Username: Ruck1977
Post Number: 993
Registered: 8-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 9:24 am: | |
the obvious solution...infrared scanning cameras in the reservation to catch those wiley dog owners!! double the fines for pit bulls and rotweilers! |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 22
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 10:23 am: | |
Dear Wendyn:
yeah that's exactely what I wanted to say!
By the way the reason why mem is concerned about children being deep in the woods is not because of the horrific yet common creature called well trained off leash dog but because of the not so well trained and off leash ticks.
I find it hard to believe that you compare male prostitution with dogs of leash. Believe it or not my dogs would never run up to your kids cause frankly they could give a crap about them. Maybe you should work on your phobia cause it's starting to look like this is your issue not your kids. Have you ever asked them if they'd want a dog...
Bajou |
MBJ
Citizen
Username: Mbj
Post Number: 155
Registered: 10-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:20 am: | |
Welcome to MOL, Claudia.
Nice, huh? |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2736
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:44 am: | |
You are obviously not reading as I've said this several times. I have 2 dogs. I used to walk them in the reservation on leash. But with so many off leash dogs running around I found it wasn't safe for them. I'm sure they weren't your dogs, as they apparently are the best trained dogs ever. And I'm sure you would tell the people whose dogs are not as well behaved to put a leash on them. Who are they to decide their dog is friendly and obedient enough to be off leash?
Read Brett's post again because he said it better than I ever could.
I did not start the comparison of male prostitution to dogs off leash. You did. One is bad because it bothers you. One is ok because it benefits you and your dog. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5796
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 11:51 am: | |
Wendyn,
If you do take your kids into the backwoods, be sure to spray them with bug spray as I do with me and my dog, I know three families who have lime from ticks they got from the trails in the res, including my Dr's kiddies. (He can post here and tell us all about that).
I don't think you have to be as careful in the paved area but you can't be too sure.
We saw a couple changing their infant on the ground in the res one day - he must have ended up covered with ticks! |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 2738
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 12:04 pm: | |
Mem, my dog actually got Lymes from either our backyard (tiny with one tree) or walking around our block! I unfortunately can't use Frontline on him because it gives him (mild) seizures. We caught it early and are hoping it won't get too bad. It is a very scary disease.
I do try to remember the bug spray in the Millburn trails, but it is a good point to use it on the paved part as well. My kid just got a bike and I'm sure we will be there more frequently as she learns to ride. |
mem
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 5802
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 1:39 pm: | |
Wendy,
When I first read your thread I thought you were referring to your child - I was horrified - who would frontline a little kid!?
Then I realized you were referring to your dog and I laughed so hard I spit up my tea.
I'm glad you caught the lyme early. Thanks for the laugh!
|
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 28
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:01 pm: | |
My dog also has lyme and you are right it is a horrible illness. Can we just agree to disagree cause I am really not the fighting kind.
Bajou |
Bob K
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 10783
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 2:43 pm: | |
I may be wrong, but isn't there a vacination for dogs against Lyme disease? I remember reading about this a couple of years ago. |
catmanjac
Citizen
Username: Catmanjac
Post Number: 48
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:27 pm: | |
Yes, there is a vaccination for Lyme for dogs. Ask your veterinarian. |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 34
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 4:31 pm: | |
Unfortunately my dog had undiagnosed chronic lyme when I adopted him. Too late for the vacc.
Bajou |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 37
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 5:35 pm: | |
By the way ...the Jersey Animal Coalition is once again receiving a huge load of puppies from the Georgia Shelters (I think close to 35). All breeds represented.
Go look at the website. Their pictures are already up
http://www.petfinder.org/pet.cgi?action=1&pet.Shelterid=NJ84&preview=1&sort=pet. Identifier&pet.Animal=Dog
Bajou |
Southerner
Citizen
Username: Southerner
Post Number: 715
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 6:51 pm: | |
I guess my Chinese takeout won't be nearly as good tomorrow night. |
SO Ref
Citizen
Username: So_refugee
Post Number: 1512
Registered: 2-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 8:03 pm: | |
There'll still be plenty of possum for you... |
Mr. Big Poppa
Citizen
Username: Big_poppa
Post Number: 499
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 23, 2006 - 10:35 pm: | |
Woman, git that pot a-boilin'! I gots sum possum steak ret ta go!
 |
Bajou
Citizen
Username: Bajou
Post Number: 41
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Friday, February 24, 2006 - 2:56 pm: | |
Dear Southerner:
Oh hun you haven't had doggie in your chinese food in a long time...we've been puttin sompn special in there for you too!
So you live in Georgia..don't got your own chat sites there??
Bajou |
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